Mold & Mildew Cleanup in Bacliff, TX

Why do homes on the bay grow so much mildew?

Bacliff began as the seaside resort and fishing town of Clifton-by-the-Sea, and most of the community still lies along the western shore of Galveston Bay, east of SH 146. Bay breezes carry moisture inland nearly all year, and when the AC cools that air indoors, the coolest surfaces collect it: window frames, bathroom ceilings, closet walls and the metal grilles on supply vents. Homes that sit closed up during the week, as many do when owners commute to Houston, can get clammy fast if the thermostat is set high and the AC barely runs. A hygrometer reading above 60 percent means the air itself is feeding the mildew.

Did storms leave moisture behind?

Bacliff has a long storm record. The 1915 hurricane wrecked many of the early improvements, and the 1943 hurricane did major damage; the old bathhouse and pavilion were never rebuilt. During Hurricane Ike in 2008, Galveston County ran a debris-removal program for unincorporated areas including Bacliff, though the community's relatively high ground, about 16 feet, helped hold down flooding. Any house with a past roof or water problem can still hide dampness in walls or attic insulation. If mildew keeps returning in the same spot after cleaning, ask a company to check moisture behind it before more cleaning.

What can I clean on my own?

Hard surfaces under about 10 square feet, following EPA's guidance. Scrub with detergent and water, dry completely and keep the area ventilated. Use gloves, goggles and an N-95 respirator, and keep children and anyone with asthma away from the work. Throw out porous items with growth, like old cushions, ceiling tiles or carpet remnants. Texas lets homeowners clean their own home without a state license, but anyone you pay for mold remediation needs a TDLR license.

A Bacliff note

Bacliff is unincorporated, so floodplain and development permits for repairs go through Galveston County's Engineering, Floodplain and Right-of-Way office at 722 Moody in Galveston, 409.770.5552. The Galveston County Health District lists mold among complaints outside its jurisdiction and refers indoor air questions to local government or the Texas Department of State Health Services, so a cleanup here is arranged privately.